A trio of buyout corporations have been shortlisted to purchase a stake within the UK operations of Grant Thornton, one in all Britain’s six largest accountancy corporations.
Different contenders, together with Permira and Carlyle are mentioned to now not be in rivalry, though insiders cautioned that the record was topic to alter.
Grant Thornton has round 200 UK fairness companions, who could have a say on the deal.
The agency has improved its monetary efficiency following a turbulent interval for its management, with a £1.3m wonderful being imposed for “serious failings” in 2022 in relation to its audit of Sports activities Direct, the sportswear empire based by Mike Ashley and now often known as Frasers Group.
It was additionally handed a £2.3m penalty the yr earlier than for demonstrating a “serious lack of competence” in relation to its work on Patisserie Holdings, the proprietor of the collapsed cafe chain Patisserie Valerie.
Since then, Grant Thornton has slashed the variety of so-called public curiosity entity (PIEs) audit purchasers, a class which incorporates banks, insurers and different firms deemed to be of explicit significance.
A spokesperson for Grant Thornton UK LLP mentioned: “As all businesses do, we continually evaluate the external business and economic landscape and explore various avenues that will drive growth for our firm.
“This permits us to make knowledgeable choices about what’s greatest for our individuals, our purchasers, and our agency.
“No decisions have been made and, whilst we are considering our options, we will not be commenting further.”
Cinven, EQT and Permira declined to remark.
